Fume cupboard meaning

A fume cupboard is a device used in laboratories to safely contain and remove harmful fumes and gases.


Fume cupboard definitions

Word backwards emuf draobpuc
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "fume cupboard" is a noun.
Syllabic division fume-cup-board
Plural The plural of the word "fume cupboard" is "fume cupboards."
Total letters 12
Vogais (4) u,e,o,a
Consonants (7) f,m,c,p,b,r,d

What is a Fume Cupboard?

A fume cupboard, also known as a fume hood, is a piece of laboratory equipment designed to protect the user from inhaling toxic fumes, vapors, and dust. It works by venting these harmful substances away from the user and into the environment through a ventilation system. Fume cupboards are essential in laboratories where experiments involving hazardous chemicals are conducted.

How Does a Fume Cupboard Work?

A fume cupboard is typically made of a large enclosure with a moveable sash or sliding door in the front. This sash can be raised or lowered to control the airflow within the cupboard. The ventilation system consists of a fan that draws air through the front opening of the cupboard, capturing any harmful fumes or vapors produced during experiments. The contaminated air is then expelled outside the building through a duct system.

The Importance of Using a Fume Cupboard

Using a fume cupboard is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment in laboratories. It helps protect researchers and lab personnel from exposure to toxic substances that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues. By containing and removing harmful fumes, a fume cupboard minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures compliance with safety regulations.

Chemical spills and reactions can happen unexpectedly in a laboratory setting, making it necessary to have a fume cupboard as a preventive measure. Safety precautions such as wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles should also be taken when working with hazardous materials.

Types of Fume Cupboards

There are different types of fume cupboards available, including ducted fume cupboards, ductless fume cupboards, and filtered fume cupboards. Ducted fume cupboards are connected to an external ventilation system, while ductless fume cupboards use filters to clean the air before recirculating it. Filtered fume cupboards combine both methods for maximum efficiency.

Regular maintenance and proper use of a fume cupboard are essential to ensure its effectiveness in providing a safe working environment in laboratories. It is important to follow manufacturer guidelines for operating the fume cupboard and have it inspected regularly to prevent malfunctions.


Fume cupboard Examples

  1. A fume cupboard is essential in a chemistry lab to safely conduct experiments with harmful chemicals.
  2. The researcher donned a lab coat and safety goggles before working inside the fume cupboard.
  3. The fume cupboard was fitted with a powerful extractor fan to remove any dangerous vapors.
  4. When handling a toxic substance, it is important to keep the sash of the fume cupboard closed.
  5. The chemical spill was quickly cleaned up within the confines of the fume cupboard.
  6. An undergraduate student was trained on how to properly use the fume cupboard before starting their project.
  7. Before disposing of any waste, it must be properly labeled and placed in the designated area of the fume cupboard.
  8. The laboratory technician regularly inspects the fume cupboard to ensure it is in good working condition.
  9. Safety protocols require that all experiments involving hazardous materials be conducted inside the fume cupboard.
  10. A ventilation system connected to the fume cupboard helps maintain a safe environment in the lab.


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  • Updated 14/05/2024 - 18:20:25